Final five

We put our Best Bartender finalists in the hot seat

You read, you drank, you voted. With your help, we've narrowed our Best Bartender search to five deserving finalists. Read on to get to know them better, then clear your calendar to watch them in action at our Best Bartender Bash next week.

1. Emirano 'Manu' Eperiam, 28

NV Penthouse Lounge, 116 W. Hubbard St.

Oddest bartending experience: Bargoers ordering drinks in Spanish because they think he's Latino; he's actually from Pohnpei, a Micronesian island. "I couldn't even count the number of times that's happened."

Favorite off-duty bar: The Fifty/50 or Citizen to watch the Bears game (with a Miller Light in hand).

First drink ever: Sakau (also known as kava), a drink made from the roots of a pepper plant, popular in the South Pacific islands.

Next best talent: "I have an uncanny ability to make conversation with anybody."

Vote for him because: "I take pride in I what I do, and I work hard. I believe when you take pride in what you do, the rewards and benefits will always come."

2. Dani Hoyler, 24

Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave.

Oddest bartending experience: One customer bet a friend $50 to eat a jar of hot peppers. "It was opening day for the Cubs; everyone was tanked. He turned bright red and ran out the door right into the street."